ARSENE WENGER was {bombarded with chants of "spend some ****ing money" from disgruntled Arsenal fans after a dismal 0-0 draw with Newcastle.

But as the Arsenal boss enters one of the most a critical fortnights of his reign, Wenger insisted he would not be rushed into spending on players who did not provide good value for money.

Arsenal chiefs are losing patience with Wenger and urging the manager to go on a spending spree before the transfer deadline.

Directors, coaching staff and players have joined fans in becoming increasingly frustrated by Wengers dithering on transfer targets.

And Wenger was forced to appeal for some love from the Gunners fans before Tuesday nights critical Champions League qualifying first leg against Italian side Udinese at the Emirates.

Desperate

With Arsenal also facing Liverpool and Manchester United in their next two Premier League fixtures, Wenger is desperate that the discontent among Gunners fans does not become more widespread.

He was subjected to sustained chanting from Arsenals travelling support of around 2,000 yesterday as, ironically, the one player he has spent money on this summer, Gervinho, was sent off on his debut for slapping Joey Barton.

But Wenger said: "We are not scared of spending money but we like to know what we are getting for our money.

"If you look back over my record of buying players over the last 15 years, you will see I have not done too badly.

"It is a concern that the fans must be behind the players because these players deserve their support. At a big club, it is important there is love between the fans and players"

Ironically, Barton who was at the centre of controversy again over Gervinhos sending-off has been one of many targets recommended to Wenger by Arsenals scouts this summer.

And Wenger smiled, saying: "Perhaps signing him would be the solution to him getting our players sent off!"

For the first time in his 15 years as Arsenal boss, Wengers future is the subject of serious debate around the club.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is plotting an audacious bid for full-back Bacary Sagna, buoyed by suggestions that the Frenchman would be ready to quit the Emirates.

But Wenger is being urged by club insiders to splash the cash. He already had significant transfer funds available before the £55million Arsenal will pocket for the sales of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

With Fabregas move to Barcelona almost done, Wenger hinted that Nasris switch to Manchester City is also likely to happen soon.

Asked whether either player would wear a Gunners shirt again, he said: "If they are going to leave, then I hope they will both return again one day. There is nothing new at this moment."

Wenger also admitted he is concerned that Arsenal are becoming a feeder club for wealthier rivals.

He said: "It is a concern because when you give players a chance in the Premier League at 17 or 18 as we do, you have to be brave. You hope then that they will be around to win you things when they are 22, 23 and 24."

Vetoed

It is believed that Wenger has vetoed several targets recommended by senior staff Birminghams Scott Dann, Boltons Gary Cahill, Evertons Leighton Baines and Joey Barton of Newcastle have all failed to convince Wenger.

Centre-back Dann is seen by assistant boss Pat Rice and chief scout Steve Rowley as an excellent, low-cost addition to the squad.

But after Dann held talks with officials on Wednesday, Wenger was said to be reluctant to rubber-stamp the move.

The Frenchman is remaining unflinchingly loyal to his existing young squad, and Carlos Tevez is highly unlikely to join from Manchester City, given the London clubs £90,000-a-week wage limit.